DEAR ABBY: Now is the time of year your readers should get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and their loved ones throughout the 2010-11 flu season.

This year, our nation has a new and very simple recommendation to keep our population safe: Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated! Doing it now will protect you throughout the entire flu season, which can run into the spring months.

The influenza vaccine is safe -- you cannot get influenza from it. In addition to getting vaccinations in doctors' offices, people can receive them in pharmacies, supermarkets, senior centers and schools. Parents should be aware that children younger than 9 years old may need two doses.

Although prevention actions like washing your hands and covering your cough help to prevent transmission of the flu virus, the best way to avoid spreading it to others is to be vaccinated every year. -- DEBORAH L. WEXLER, M.D., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IMMUNIZATION ACTION COALITION

DEAR DR. WEXLER: I'm pleased to know that this year's flu vaccine is available early, and that there is enough for everyone.

Readers, because influenza is contagious one to two days before symptoms appear, it can be spread to others before we even know we're infected. That's why it's important that everyone be vaccinated not only for our own protection, but also for the protection of family, friends and others in the community who are vulnerable to the serious and sometimes deadly complications of influenza. The good news is, this year there is no need for a separate H1N1 shot because H1N1 protection is included in this year's vaccine.

For more information, contact your health care provider, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at � HYPERLINK "http://www.cdc.gov/flu" ��www.cdc.gov/flu�, or call the CDC Info Center at (800) 232-4636.

P.S. Dr. Wexler tells me that if you miss being vaccinated this fall, you can still get vaccinated in January or later because flu season often doesn't peak until February. But dear readers, for my sake, please do it sooner rather than later so I won't worry about you!

DEAR ABBY: I'm pregnant with my first child. This will be my parents' first grandchild and my fiance's parents' fourth. My mother lives in another state and won't be able to attend the birth, and my fiance and his father are not close.

My problem is my future mother-in-law. When she asked to be present during the birth, I told her no. She became extremely upset when she found out my father will be in the room.

I have nothing against my future mother-in-law; it's just that she's a drama queen, and I'm not comfortable sharing such an emotional event with her. Am I wrong for allowing only one grandparent and not the other? -- MOM-TO-BE IN MESA, ARIZ.

DEAR MOM-TO-BE: The birth of a first baby, while a happy event, can also be scary, challenging and traumatic. It is important that you be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. If you prefer that only your fiance and father be present, then that's how it should be. Any witnesses should be at the invitation of the person doing the delivering, and frankly, for your future mother-in-law to have asked to be present, rather than waiting to be invited, was presumptuous.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have a precious 2-year-old Boston terrier, "Bailey," who is our life. We consider him our child and are heartbroken any time we must leave him alone.

I am wondering if there is any way I could train Bailey to use a fire blanket in case of a fire if we're not there. Bailey loves to burrow into blankets, so it's not too much of a stretch. I couldn't bear the thought of our little one not being able to help himself if he was locked in during a fire. Any suggestions? -- BAILEY'S MOMMY IN TOM'S RIVER, N.J.

DEAR BAILEY'S MOMMY: I have two words for you: dog sitter! If there was a fire and you weren't there, Bailey could die of smoke inhalation. A dog sitter is insurance that even in case of fire someone is around to ensure his safety.

DEAR ABBY: I am a 29-year-old woman with one child. Having always wanted to adopt, I looked into international adoptions and foster care adoptions. I also became a foster care provider for two years. I have always wanted to expand my family, but adoption is expensive and foster care wasn't the right fit.

My younger sister, "Caitlin," married her abusive high school boyfriend and immediately became pregnant. She filed for divorce last year. Because he still controlled her, they reconnected and she's now pregnant with a second child. They are still divorcing, and this time she has no intention of reconciling.

I would desperately love to adopt this baby. When I approached Caitlin about it she said allowing me to adopt her child would make her feel "too guilty." How do I convey to her my great desire to adopt her child without making her feel like less than a parent? I wouldn't feel so strongly if I thought she actually wanted this baby, but she acts like this pregnancy is a burden. -- MATERNAL IN TULSA

DEAR MATERNAL: Your sister is experiencing a difficult pregnancy for many reasons, so please do not pressure her. I'm sure she already knows how much you want a baby -- so be supportive and let her know you are there for her. Period.

DEAR ABBY: My supervisor "Valerie" is smart and beautiful. However she is a few pounds overweight. The problem is she thinks she can still squeeze into a size 8. You can tell she's interested in looking professional and stylish by the clothes she picks out, but she still looks terrible. She is obviously in denial about her appearance, and her co-workers and underlings talk about her behind her back.

Because Valerie is my supervisor, I do not feel comfortable telling her how unprofessional she really looks. I am surprised that none of her friends has told her (tactfully), or that her supervisor hasn't told her how unprofessional it is that we all can see the outline of her underwear.

The shame of it is that it's hard to take Valerie seriously in her professional capacity when all one can think about is her clothes don't fit. How does one approach such a subject with someone who isn't really a friend? -- GROSSED OUT AT WORK

DEAR GROSSED OUT: If one is a subordinate, one doesn't. Poor Valerie may be in denial about her weight gain, or she may be having trouble shedding the pounds. Someone who could have a word with her about it would be her supervisor -- who might be inclined to do so if word reached her/him that Valerie's attire was not only distracting, but has become a main topic of conversation in the office.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend recently started turning away when I try to kiss him. When I asked him why, he explained that he has developed into a "germaphobe."

In the beginning of our relationship we never had this problem. What is happening? -- NEVER BEEN KISSED, LATELY

DEAR NEVER: Your boyfriend may be embarrassed to tell you that your breath is unpleasant. Or he may be trying to distance himself romantically. I recommend you ask him directly if either of these could account for the change in his behavior. If the answer is no and he really has developed a phobia about germs, then you'll have to decide if a kissless romance is enough for you.

DEAR ABBY: I have this friend, "Miranda." We share a lot of interests and I think we have the potential to be something amazing. I'm not a shy guy, but when I'm around her, I can't put my thoughts into words.

We will graduate from high school this year, and I'm afraid to lose touch with her and blow my chances of making our friendship progress. Any advice on what to do would be wonderful. -- MISSING OUT IN SAN DIEGO

DEAR MISSING OUT: At this point in your lives it would be premature to declare undying love. But it would be nice if you told Miranda that you think she's a special person and you'd like to stay in touch regardless of what directions your lives take you. That's a nonthreatening, huge compliment. And even if you haven't dated, she may be open to the idea of keeping up the contact. You'll never know if you don't try.

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 20 years has always exaggerated and embellished things. It doesn't matter what subject, the unvarnished version is never good enough.

The other day we "discussed" why it takes my son and me only 15 to 20 minutes to get to a nearby town, while he is adamant that it takes him a half-hour to 45 minutes. Mind you, this is driving the same route and obeying the same speed limits. I asked him how that could be. His answer? "Because you guys drive the SUV and I drive the little Ford Festiva."

Huh? I'm no brainiac, but how can the size of the vehicle make that much difference when you're going the same route and speed? -- EXASPERATED IN BURBANK, WASH.

DEAR EXASPERATED: It can't. And after 20 years of marriage to your husband, you should know better. (Could he be making a pit stop?)

DEAR ABBY: I work a night shift, and I am often still in my pajamas in the late morning.

If someone comes to my door I'm never certain if I should answer in my robe -- which may make the caller uncomfortable -- or not answer even though it's obvious that I'm home. What's the best thing to do besides getting dressed earlier? -- JAMMIED UP IN IRON RIVER, MICH.

DEAR JAMMIED UP: If your caller is a friend, he or she should know what your work schedule is and understand why you are still in your pajamas. If the person is a workman, you might be more comfortable being dressed before the appointment. However, if you don't know who is at your door, you are under no obligation to open it to anyone, nor to offer any explanation about your attire.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in "What Every Teen Should Know." To order, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $6 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in the price.)